Systems and methods for handling drinking utensils

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for a glass rack are provided. An embodiment of a glass rack includes: a frame with a top opening; compartments located inside said frame; a top cover that is attached to said frame and covers said top opening; wherein said top cover comprises holes configured to allow water and soap to flow through said top opening of said glass rack.

BACKGROUND

Existing glass racks are configured to wash, to use and to store glasses. However, existing glass racks require a user to insert individual glasses either face up for storage and for use or face down for washing. When an existing glass rack has been used for washing glasses, the user must individually turn each glass over to use the glasses (e.g., fill with ice, water, etc.). Therefore there exists a need for systems and methods that address these and/or problems associated with existing glass racks.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for a glass rack are provided. An embodiment of a glass rack includes: a frame with a top opening; compartments located inside said frame; a top cover that is attached to said frame and covers said top opening; wherein said top cover comprises holes configured to allow water and soap to flow through said top opening of said glass rack.

A method for using a glass rack with a top and a bottom opening, said method includes: inserting glasses upside down into respective compartments of said glass rack through said top opening of said glass rack; covering said top opening with a top cover; inserting said glass rack into a washing machine and washing said glasses in said glass rack; removing said glass rack from said washing machine; inverting said glass rack; removing a bottom cover from said bottom opening of said glass rack; and filling said glasses with at least one of ice and a beverage while said glasses are in said respective compartments inside said glass rack.

A method for using a glass rack with a top opening, said method includes: inserting glasses face up into respective compartments of said glass rack through said top opening of said glass rack; covering said top opening with a top cover; inverting said glass rack; inserting said glass rack into a washing machine and washing said glasses in said glass rack; removing said glass rack from said washing machine; inverting said glass rack; removing said top cover from said top opening of said glass rack; and filling said glasses with at least one of ice and a beverage while said glasses are in said respective compartments inside said glass rack.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack.

FIG. 1C depicts an embodiment of a frame of a glass rack.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack.

FIG. 2C depicts a top view of an embodiment of a compartment of a glass rack.

FIG. 3A is a flow chart depicting a method for using a glass rack with two slides according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a flow chart depicting a method for using a glass rack with one slide according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4E depict stages of using a glass rack with two slides.

FIGS. 4F-4K depict stages of using a glass rack with one slide.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict respective views of an embodiment of a slide of a glass rack.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict respective views of another embodiment of a slide of a glass rack.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict respective views of a third embodiment of a slide of a glass rack.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack.

FIGS. 9A-9C depict respective views of another embodiment of a glass rack.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict respective views of a third embodiment of a glass rack.

FIGS. 11A-11C depict an embodiment of a glass rack with attached covers.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting a method for using a glass rack with two covers according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart depicting a method for using a glass rack with one cover according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack 10. The glass rack 10 contains a slide 11, a slide 12, and a frame 13. The slide 111 and the slide 12 are removable from the frame 13. The slides 11 and 12 may contain openings (not shown) for allowing cleaning substances (e.g., soap and water) to flow through the glass rack 10.

FIGS. 1C and 1D depict respective embodiments of a frame 13 of a glass rack 10. The frame 13 may comprise a groove 14 on the top of the frame 13 and a groove 15 on the bottom of the frame 13. The slides 11 and 12 (FIGS. 1A-1B) may be inserted into the grooves 14 and 15 in the frame 13. As shown in FIG. 1D, the frame 13 may include openings 19 that can be used to hold the frame 13 while turning it upside down. The openings 19 may be, for example, circular or oval, among other possible shapes. Although not shown in some embodiments of the frame 13 depicted in various figures, such embodiments may also be implemented with frames 13 having openings 19.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack 10. A glass rack 10 comprises a slide 11, a slide 12, a frame 13, a groove 14, a groove 15, and a compartment 21. FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of the glass rack 10 with the slide 11 (not shown) removed from the groove 14. The interior of the glass rack 10 is accessible from the top with the slide 11 removed. The interior of the glass rack 10 contains a compartment 21 for the placement of objects (e.g., cups and glasses) for washing. FIG. 2B depicts an embodiment of the glass rack 10 with the slide 12 (not shown) removed from the groove 15. The interior of the glass rack 10 is accessible from the bottom with the slide 12 removed.

FIG. 2C depicts a top view of an embodiment of a compartment 21 of a glass rack 10. The compartment 21 comprises partitions sized responsive to objects (e.g., cups and glasses) placed inside the glass rack 10. The compartment 21 is accessible within the glass rack 10 from the top when a slide 11 (not shown) is removed and from the bottom when a slide 12 (not shown) is removed. The objects are restrained in the compartments 21 when the slide 11 and the slide 12 are inserted into the glass rack 10.

FIG. 3A is a flow chart depicting a method 300 for using a glass rack 10 with two slides according to an embodiment of the invention. This method 300 includes inserting the glasses upside down into respective compartments with the first slide removed from the glass rack (step 301); inserting the first slide back into the glass rack (step 302); inserting the glass rack into a washing machine (step 303); inverting the glass rack (e.g., rotate along a horizontal axis) (step 304); removing the second slide from the glass rack (step 305); and filling the glasses with ice and/or beverage while glasses are in their respective compartment inside the glass rack (step 306).

FIG. 3B is a flow chart depicting a method 310 for using a glass rack 10-1 with one slide according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 310 includes inserting the glasses into respective compartments with the slide removed from the glass rack (step 311); inserting the slide back into the glass rack (step 312); inverting the glass rack (e.g., rotate along a horizontal axis) (step 313); inserting the glass rack into a washing machine (step 314); inverting the glass rack (e.g., rotate along a horizontal axis) (step 315); removing the slide from the glass rack (step 316); and filling the glasses with ice and/or beverage while glasses are in their respective compartment inside the glass rack (step 317).

FIGS. 4A-4E depict stages of using a glass rack 10 with two slides. FIGS. 4A-4E comprise a schematic diagram of method 300 (FIG. 3A). As depicted in FIG. 4A, a slide 11 is removed from the glass rack 10 with compartments 21 now accessible. FIG. 4B depicts placing glasses 41 into the compartments 21 upside down. The slide 11 is replaced back into the glass rack 10 and the glass rack 10 is ready for washing, as depicted in FIG. 4C. Once washed, the glass rack 10 is turned upside down with a slide 12 facing the top, as depicted in FIG. 4D. The slide 12 is removed from the glass rack 10 and the glasses 41 are ready to be used, as depicted in FIG. 4E.

FIGS. 4F-4K depict stages of using a glass rack 10-1 with one slide. FIGS. 4F-4K comprise a schematic diagram of method 310 (FIG. 3B). As depicted in FIG. 41F, a slide 11 is removed from the glass rack 10-1 with compartments 21 now accessible. FIG. 4G depicts placing glasses 41 into the compartments 21. The slide 11 is placed back into the glass rack 10-1 and rotated along a horizontal axis as shown in FIG. 4I. The glass rack 10-1 is ready for washing. Once washed, the glass rack 10-1 is rotated once again with the slide 11 facing up, as depicted in FIG. 4J. The slide 11 is then removed from the glass rack 10-1 and the glasses 41 are ready to be used, as depicted in FIG. 4K.

FIGS. 5A-5B depict respective views of an embodiment of a slide 11-1 of a glass rack 10. In this embodiment, the slide 11-1 comprises a substrate 52 and grooves 51. The substrate 52 may comprise openings to allow cleaning substances (e.g., soap and water) to flow through the glass rack 10. The grooves 51 may fit into the glass rack 10 for the insertion and/or withdrawal of the slide 11-1. The embodiment of the slide 11-1 depicted in FIG. 5C comprises a protrusion 53. The protrusion 53 fits within a corresponding opening in the glass rack 10 to prevent the slide 11 from sliding out of the glass rack 10. The glass rack 10 having two slides may comprise a slide 12 in addition to the slide 11-1. The slide 12 may be configured similarly to the slide 11-1.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict respective views of an embodiment of a slide 11-2 of a glass rack 10. In this embodiment, the slide 11-2 comprises a substrate 52 and a rail 61. The substrate 52 may comprise openings to allow cleaning substances (e.g., soap and water) to flow through the glass rack 10. The rail 61 is orthogonal to the substrate 52 and matches to a corresponding opening in the glass rack 10 for the insertion and/or withdrawal of the slide 11-2. A further embodiment of the slide 11-2 comprises a protrusion 53, as depicted in FIG. 6C. The protrusion 53 is designed to fit within a corresponding opening in the glass rack 10 in order to prevent the slide 11-2 from sliding out of the glass rack 10. The glass rack 10 having two slides may comprise a slide 12 in addition to the slide 11-2. The slide 12 may be configured similarly to the slide 11-2.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict respective views of an embodiment of a slide 11-3 of a glass rack 10. In this embodiment, the slide 11-3 comprises a substrate 52 which may include openings to allow cleaning substances (e.g., soap and water) to flow through the glass rack 10. The slide 11-3 does not include a rail or a groove and can be inserted and/or withdrawn from the glass rack 10 directly.

As shown in FIG. 7C, a further embodiment of the slide 11-3 has a protrusion 53. The protrusion 53 is designed to fit within a corresponding opening in the glass rack 10 in order to prevent the slide 11-3 from sliding out of the glass rack 10. The glass rack 10 having two slides may comprise a slide 12 in addition to the slide 11-3. The slide 12 may be configured similarly to the slide 11-3.

As shown in FIG. 7D, a further embodiment of the slide 11-3 may include openings 77 the openings 77 enable cleaning agents (e.g., soap and water) to flow through the slide 11-3. Note that the number and shape of the openings may vary depending on a desired implementation. For example, there may be openings 17 having various shapes and sizes within a single slide 11 or 12. Such openings may or may not be symmetrical in shape or distribution. Note that other embodiments of slides shown in the figures may also be configured to have any desired number of openings 77 having any desired combination of shape and location.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack 10-2. In this embodiment, the glass rack 10-2 comprises a slide 11-1 and a slide 12-1 with grooves 51. The grooves 51 are inserted into the corresponding cut-outs 14-1 and 15-1 within a frame 13-1. FIG. 8A depicts an embodiment of the frame 13-1 without the slides 11-1 and 12-1 inserted. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the glass rack 10-2 depicting the slides 11-1 and 12-1 inserted into the glass rack 10-2. The grooves 51 of the slides 11-1 and 12-1 are inserted into the cut-outs 14-1 and 15-1. FIG. 8C depicts a front view of an embodiment of a glass rack 10-2.

FIGS. 9A-9C depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack 10-3. In this embodiment, the glass rack 10-3 comprises a slide 11-2 and a slide 12-2 with rails 61. The rails 61 are inserted into the corresponding cut-outs 14-2 and 15-2 within a frame 13-2. FIG. 9A depicts an embodiment of a frame 13-2 without the slides 11-2 and 12-2 inserted. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the glass rack 10-3 depicting the slides 11-2 and 12-2 inserted into the glass rack 10-3. The rails 61 of the slides 11-2 and 12-2 are inserted into the cut-outs 14-2 and 15-2. FIG. 9C depicts a front view of an embodiment of a glass rack 10-3.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict respective views of an embodiment of a glass rack 10-4. In this embodiment, the glass rack 10-4 comprises a slide 11-3 and a slide 12-3. The slides 11-3 and 12-3 may be inserted into corresponding cut-outs 14-3 and 15-3 within a frame 13-3. FIG. 10A depicts an embodiment of a frame 13-3 without the slides 11-3 and 12-3 inserted. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the glass rack 10-4 depicting the slides 11-3 and 12-3 inserted into the glass rack 10-4. FIG. 10C depicts a front view of an embodiment of a glass rack 10-3.

FIGS. 11A-11C depict an embodiment of a glass rack 10 with attached covers. In FIG. 11A, a glass rack 10-5 comprises a first cover 81 and a second cover 82. The cover 81 is attached by a hinge 83 and the cover 82 is attached by a hinge 84. Both the hinges 83 and 84 are located on the same side of the glass rack 10-5. The covers 81 and 82 may open and close allowing accessibility into the glass rack 10-4. As depicted in FIG. 11B, the first cover 81 and the second cover 82 are attached by a hinge 83 and a hinge 84 respectively on opposite sides of a glass rack 10-6. FIG. 8C depicts an embodiment of a glass rack 10-7 with one cover 81 attached by a hinge 83.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting a method 120 for using a glass rack 10 with two covers according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 120 includes inserting the glasses upside down into respective compartments with the first cover of the glass rack open (step 121); closing the first cover of the glass rack (step 122); rotating the glass rack along a horizontal axis and inserting the glass rack into a washing machine (step 123); rotating the glass rack along a horizontal axis (step 124); opening the second cover of the glass rack (step 125); and filling the glasses with ice and/or beverage while glasses are in their respective compartment inside the glass rack (step 126).

FIG. 13 is a flow chart depicting a method 130 for using a glass rack 10 with one cover according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 130 includes inserting the glasses into respective compartments with the cover open (step 131); closing the cover of the glass rack (step 132); rotating the glass rack along a horizontal axis (step 133); inserting the glass rack into a washing machine (step 134); rotating the glass rack along a horizontal axis so the cover is facing up (step 135); opening the cover of the glass rack (step 136); and filling the glasses with ice and/or beverage while glasses are in their respective compartment inside the glass rack (step 137). In this manner the glasses do not have to be turned upside down individually.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples, among others, of the implementations, setting forth a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure and present invention. 

1. A glass rack comprising: a frame with a top opening; compartments located inside said frame; a top cover that covers said top opening; wherein said top cover comprises holes configured to allow water and soap to flow through said top opening of said glass rack; and wherein said top cover is slidably insertable and removable from said frame.
 2. The glass rack of claim 1, further comprising: a bottom opening in said frame; a bottom cover that covers said bottom opening; and wherein said bottom cover comprises holes configured to allow water and soap to flow through said bottom opening of said glass rack; and wherein said bottom cover is slidably insertable and removable from said frame.
 3. The glass rack of claim 1, further comprising: a groove along both side edges of said top cover; a cut out in said top opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said groove; and wherein said groove of said top cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said top cover on said frame.
 4. The glass rack of claim 2, further comprising: a groove along both side edges of said bottom cover; a cut out in said bottom opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said groove; and wherein said groove of said bottom cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said bottom cover on said frame.
 5. The glass rack of claim 1, further comprising: a rail along both side edges of said top cover; a cut out in said top opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said rail; and wherein said rail of said top cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said top cover on said frame.
 6. The glass rack of claim 2, further comprising: a rail along both side edges of said bottom cover; a cut out in said bottom opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said rail; and wherein said rail of said bottom cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said bottom cover on said frame.
 7. The glass rack of claim 1, further comprises a hinge attached to said frame and attached to said top cover, wherein said top cover is configured to open and close rotating about said hinge.
 8. The glass rack of claim 2, further comprises a hinge attached to said frame and attached to said bottom cover, wherein said bottom cover is configured to open and close rotating about said hinge.
 9. A method for using a glass rack with a top and a bottom opening, said method comprising: inserting glasses upside down into respective compartments of said glass rack through said top opening of said glass rack; covering said top opening with a top cover; inserting said glass rack into a washing machine and washing said glasses in said glass rack; removing said glass rack from said washing machine; inverting said glass rack; removing a bottom cover from said bottom opening of said glass rack; and filling said glasses with at least one of ice and a beverage while said glasses are in said respective compartments inside said glass rack.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said top cover and said bottom cover comprise holes configured to allow water and soap to flow through said top opening and said bottom opening of said glass rack.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said top cover and said bottom cover comprise: a groove along both side edges of said top cover and said bottom cover; a cut out in said top opening and said bottom opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said groove; and wherein said groove of said top cover and said bottom cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said top cover and said bottom cover on said frame.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said top cover and said bottom cover comprise: a rail along both side edges of said top cover and said bottom cover; a cut out in said top opening and said bottom opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said rail; and wherein said rail of said top cover and said bottom cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said top cover and said bottom cover on said frame.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising a hinge attached to said frame and attached to said top cover, wherein said top cover is configured to open and close rotating about said hinge.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising a hinge attached to said frame and attached to said bottom cover, wherein said bottom cover is configured to open and close rotating about said hinge.
 15. A method for using a glass rack with a top opening, said method comprising: inserting glasses face up into respective compartments of said glass rack through said top opening of said glass rack; covering said top opening with a top cover; inverting said glass rack; inserting said glass rack into a washing machine and washing said glasses in said glass rack; removing said glass rack from said washing machine; inverting said glass rack; removing said top cover from said top opening of said glass rack; and filling said glasses with at least one of ice and a beverage while said glasses are in said respective compartments inside said glass rack.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said top cover comprises holes configured to allow water and soap to flow through said top opening of said glass rack.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein said top cover comprising: a groove along both side edges of said top cover; a cut out in said top opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said groove; and wherein said groove of said top cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said top cover on said frame.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein said top cover comprising: a rail along both side edges of said top cover; a cut out in said top opening of said frame corresponding to the size of said rail; and wherein said rail of said top cover fits in said cut out of said frame to hold said top cover on said frame.
 19. The method of claim 9, further comprising a hinge attached to said frame and attached to said top cover, wherein said top cover is configured to open and close rotating about said hinge. 